Natural Building - RAINWATER HARVESTING

Water is essential to all life. At the present time, floods and droughts are more frequent because of the effects of human development and climate change. All over the world, natural and manmade water systems are being put under pressure by increased demand for water. The way that people can have most positive effect on the earth and the water cycle is to harvest rainwater. Individuals can relieve pressure on these systems, have more secure sources of water and have a positive effect on the earth and the water cycle by harvesting the rainfall when it comes.

There are two main aspects to rainwater harvesting:

Absorption – Sinking it in the Landscape

• Recharges the groundwater
• Reduces flooding downstream
  
• Reduces the need to water plants and trees
  
• Increases drought resistance of plants and trees
  
• Reduces water bills

Storage in Barrels and Cisterns

• Uses less groundwater
  
• Reduces energy used to pump water over large distances
  
• Reduces water bills
  
• Makes the user more aware of water usage